I was scared to go, I was a weenie for exotic fish. I feared I would insult Kevin. What if I had to spit something out because I didn't like the taste? How could I do that in such an intimate Japanese setting? I had the most amazing meal in my life, NAOE. I straight up refuse to each sushi/nigiri at any other locale. My grandmother was obsessed with Japanese culture, I grew up in a Japanese inspired Connecticut home. I was channeling my late Nana as I ate at NAOE. She would have been so impressed. Kevin is a magician. Never have I seen a person communicate through knives. Watching him cut and prep was magic. Sharing sake with him was a pleasure. But above all, this dinner was an experience. From the glassware, the placement of the glasses an the bento box, to the flavors exploding on your tongue and the family brewed sake, to the taxi ride home...I cannot wait to return. I've uploaded a couple of pictures to add to the current collection. If you are a little weary, like I was, put faith into Kevin, he's not going to make you food that doesn't taste good. Where else can you have monk fish liver? It's possibly better than foie. Need I say more?! read more

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OMG OMG OMG!!!! The food in Naoe is out of this world!! It's the whole experience that is so great, plus the food!! For my 100th review, it had to be super duper special!!! I've been saving it...... We made our reservation in opentable.com in less than a week. The same day the reservation was made, Wendy called (from the restaurant) to confirm the information. We were a party of four and one us is allergic to lobster and clams. The day came for our dinner, we got there on the dot!! the place is not difficult to find if you have the correct directions to the restaurant. If you Google Maps, this will NOT take you to Naoe. So beware, if you have reached Collins Ave going east, you passed it already! Once you enter the restaurant is quiet, light lighting and almost no decoration at all - but it definitely looks nice. In a word the decoration is minimal. I requested we were to be seated at the bar to see Chef Cory make his magic. Wendy explains how their omakase works at the beginning of the dinner. You will first be served with a bento box and followed by nigiri's. The nigiri's could be of fish, lobster, uni, eel, etc. So first off the bento box: OMG this was a SUPER bento box!! There was a silky soft egg custard with fresh shitake mushrooms and fish, it was very soft and tasty!!! I could have eaten more of this!! in another compartment, there was rice with bamboo and some turnip & carrot (CURTIDO). It had fluke fish that had a vinegar dressing with wakame and shiso leaves. Mikimoto oyster, tile fish tempura with ginko nut (I could not even recognize and I normally eat this!!) and some pork belly!! It was super yummi, it had a japanese jam that was so delicious. Nigiri came after. Wendy explained that normally the nigiri's are served in pairs unless you want one of them at a time and you can repeat any of the pieces as you go. We choose to have a single piece of everything, we definitely wanted to taste dessert! Nigiris were served, maine lobster (slightly poached almost raw - delish!), eel, salmon (with some fatty stuff super yummi and fresh), uni (super fresh!!) and mackerel!! The mackerel was so fresh it did not seem like mackerel, normally it's very fishy, salty and acid from the vinegar. Dessert time came, we had some home made mochi, home made pound cake jap version , fresh cut fruit with a bit of vinegar and a surprise flavored ice cream. The pound cake was super soft, the cooks kept cutting the EDGES, I was like LEAVE it.... don't cut it off, that's the best part!! All in all, NAOE was an incredible experience. The food quality is super fresh, service is at its EXTREME supreme quality!! We did not have any sake, no sake drinkers here, the bill came out to aproximately $100.00 per person including tax and grat. Definitely this place is to GO BACK. Want something super nice and great quality food, go to NAOE!!!!! read more

The big hesitation with trying Naoe is not a question of the quality of the food/fish but a question of whether or not the $200 per person is worth it. Yes you read about the personalized attention and the rare items but I did not appreciate what that meant until I finished my last bite at Naoe, went back to the hotel, slept on it and woke up the next day. So for $200 per person, we were greeted upon arrival, seated at the sushi bar (the better to see the action my dear) and presented with personalized menus. The menu, which consisted mostly of beverage - beer, sake, tea - options were explained to us fully. After being served our beverages, we sat back for a good three hours and watched Chef Cory Kevin at work. If we break down the $200 to an hourly idea, 200/3 that comes out to about $67 per hour of: 1. A personal professional chef and his crew 2. Sample of the finest freshest ingredients that you probably cannot get at the grocery store or buying online even if one were to try 3. And my personal favorite, a chance to be inspired by great art so that I can (on a way lesser scale) improve my own cooking. For as Jiro once said "In order to make delicious food, you must eat delicious food". Naoe also keeps a menu list with each guest so one can either request the same menu for oneself or a referred friend or be ensured that variety will be part of the menu with your next visit. Thus after that contemplation and conclusion, I would so gladly visit Naoe again as much as my wallet would allow me the privilege to do so. read more

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I'd been wanting to try NAOE since the first glowing Yelp review popped up back in April 2009. Yet only recently was I presented with the opportunity, and can honestly say, it was one of the most memorable meals I've ever had. True Yelper that I am, after my amazing dinner I took some notes for my upcoming review. And then I lost the note. I procrastinated on writing my review in hopes of finding the missing Post-It, but now I've realized that it's long gone, and it's time to bite the bullet. The evening started with some delicious sake, made by Chef Kevin's family in Japan. I can't recall the precise name, but it was cold, cloudy, and delicious. We managed prime seats at the bar, on the far right side - perfect for watching the master - Chef Kevin - at work. Our bento boxes that evening included tile fish sashimi, super-crispy local fish tempura with a green tea dusting, some concoction of eggplant, and custard-y delight featuring mackerel, with a bowl of corn miso on the side. Everything was outstanding, but our night was just getting started. We had a little time to spare before our nigiri offerings began, as Chef Kevin was preparing the bento boxes for the 9 p.m. seating. But that just gave us time to make room for the next round. I somehow managed to partake in all 5 rounds of nigiri offered that night, which included salmon belly from Scotland, tiny white shrimp flown in from Japan, Maine lobster, uni from Alaska, and the Chef's own bbq eel creation. They were all amazing! Everything just melted in my mouth. But my favorites had to be the uni and the salmon belly. Somehow, at the end of the night, I managed to have room for dessert. The tea was refreshing, as was the fruit plate palate-cleanser. What really stole the show during those final moments was the mystery-flavored homemade ice cream. To me, it tasted like a Werther's Original candy. I won't spoil the surprise of what flavor it really was, though you can find out by reading some of the other reviews. I really cannot say enough good things about NAOE, about Chef Kevin Cory, and about Wendy. The whole staff (all 4 of them!) go out of their way to make sure that you have an incredible meal, and an amazing dining experience. Chef Kevin gives each plate that leaves his kitchen his undivided attention, and it really shows. Granted, NAOE is not inexpensive, nor is it some place you can pop into for a quick bite. But if you make it, you will have a truly unforgettable experience. I cannot wait to make my return visit! read more

NAOE - best seat in the house! - Japanese Near Me - Miami, Florida

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There is nothing quite like it. A very unique experience - like being on a special show on the for network where top chefs bring you dish after dish of amazing bites of food - you have seen this and now you can experience this first hand. We have been going to NAOE for years and they have never disappointed - how could they. Chef Kevin only serves the freshest of fish and produce even using special soy sauce from his family farm in Japan and grating wasabi from the root. We recently had baby corn shoots on the side of one of the dishes - they look like pieces of grass but taste like the sweetest corn you have ever had. Thats whats makes NAEO so special - EVERYTHING is carefully thought out - every little morsel you see on your plate or bento box is not just there to look pretty - its there to enhance your pallet. read more

THIS IS NOT A RESTAURANT, THIS IS A CULINARY EXPERIENCE. If you are not open minded, if you are grossed out easily by strange and unusual foods, do not come here. This is not for the people that think Red Lobster is a fine night out. My husband and I came here for a romantic dinner. The service is so personal, your name is written on the menu. Yes, you get your own menu with your name on it. The dinner takes approximately 3-4 hours. There are a total of about 13 dishes, and they come out slowly. This is a social dinner. Put your phones away (unless you're taking pictures of the food) and talk to your friends. Trust me, there will be a lot to talk about during dinner. Last note: this place is a little difficult to find. When you make your reservation, via Opentable only, a lady will call you to confirm and give you some basic directions. If you think you're lost, you're not. You're in the right place. What amazes me about this place is that this place is all about the food and personal service. There's no fancy decor and super expensive chandelier, no, mam, no mam. You are eating food so amazing and so beautiful, you think you're eating at. read more

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I have no doubt this is one of the best small-table Omakase style restaurants within a thousand miles of Miami. I am from Manhattan so unfortunately I need to judge it based on what I'm accustom. First off, the price was comparable to high-end Omakase restaurants in Manhattan so they are just asking to be held to that standard. It's always fun to eat at a restaurant with an open kitchen, at NAOE the kitchen was amazingly clean, but just not that appetizing in appearance. Watching the Chef cook was also not that interesting, placing delicious fish under a salamander oven to finish and putting temperature probes into other items did not convey the mastery the Chef has obviously obtained. Much of the preparation was done in a private smaller kitchen so I did not see the point of the kitchen on display. The area for preparing sushi was just a small cutting board. The food itself was delicious and very fresh. The bento box was a nice change from an all sushi presentation, but the squash miso soup was lacking in flavor and balance, and the beet and grain cake seemed uninspired and plain. Everything else in the bento box was truly amazing. All of the sushi bites they served were outstanding, the rice was warm and perfectly seasoned. To my dismay we were only served 5 bites of sushi in a 12 course Omakase with 2 desert courses. That was very disappointing to me. The uni from Hokkaido was the star of the show. It was explained that it was a special kind that is not packaged with preservatives but rather with sea water and hence more expensive and harder to acquire. The remaining 4 bites of fish were delicious, but I so wanted to be impressed by the variety, rarity and preparation of the fish and the restaurant did not deliver. There were also no hand rolls or any type of small bite that is composed of fish, rice, and seaweed. Seaweed is another way (after rice and fish) I judge a sushi chef and restaurant. The deserts were very good and really showcased the creativity and culinary skill of the Chef. The staff at the restaurant were very educated on the food and really nice to talk with while we ate. The restaurant is very much in the upper echelon of sushi restaurants, but needs minor improvements to be truly great. Perhaps we will try it again when we go to Miami next if they don't take offense to my review. I very much respect what they have achieved. read more

STOP READING REVIEWS, AND MAKE THAT RESERVATION NOW~! I've been a member of Yelp for two years, and I have never felt inclined to post a review. I've been to my fair share of fine dining, and being from Los Angeles I felt that I've "been there done that." Well, I'm happy to say that I was completely wrong. From the moment we arrived, to the excruciating moment when we left, I, along with my party... just didn't want to leave. I am saddened to know that I wont be able to visit Naoe until another trip to Miami, but I'm grateful for learning through the genuine kindness of Wendy and Chef Kevin, what a truly rewarding dining experience means. From the quality of the service, food, and the intimate setting, Naoe surely sets the bar. So stop reading reviews....and just make the reservation~! We're talking sushi that was flown in overnight from japan, and some that were swimming in the ocean that same afternoon. You'll feel like you've made new friends in Wendy and Chef Kevin, we know we did. We spoke of our dinner at Noae every day of our vacation in Miami, and you will too. Visit Chef Kevins biography on their website, and youll appreciate your experience even more. read more

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This was a couple of the greatest meals of my life back in the day, but forcing my alcoholic father to pay $140 for a bottle of sake that it would ruin his life to drink if he wants to eat there is a dirty move. The last time I tried to eat there, I emailed them a couple of times about it and had my email ignored. Looking this time, it just makes me angry. read more

Very thoughtful food preparation. I definitely enjoyed the sushi. It was wonderfully prepared, and the thorough explanation by the servers of each aspect was part of the experience. I think it is a better when you sit at the sushi bar, as you can watch chef Corey prepare each part of the meal. I enjoyed the bento box that started our meal, as well as the sushi that followed it. The sake that was recommended fit in perfectly and we also tried the Japanese beer. The music was very beautiful classical music, some YoYo-Ma and some piano. The dessert rounded out the meal very well and I loved the ice cream with the secret! ingredient. I will have to say that we designed this experience as our 17th wedding anniversary and we just had our first child, a baby boy. We hired a babysitter to come to the hotel, and placed extra emphasis she needed to be on time because we were told that we would be charged for the meal if we were more than 15min late. However the baby sitter didn't show up on time, and we were forced to bring the baby. As soon as the baby made a sound we were asked to take him to the other room (or outside) ..and for the remainder of the meal we were in fear of upsetting the rules of the restaurant and ended up eating in turns (even though the baby didn't ever really cry and the other patrons consisted of two teenage couples and one two-top of Australians) The experience is indeed worth it. But do not bring children (there is a no kids under 12 policy we didn't know about) read more

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The restaurant cancelled our reservations the day before. I had booked them in advance for my anniversary and they let me know less then 24 hrs before, I could not find any other restaurants on such a short notice. Ironic considering they charge $325 per person for any cancelations. I'd go with other Omakaze's in Miami read more

Best Japanese Restaurant in Miami. No other place in Miami will make you travel to Japan. From the execution by Chef Cory to the service everything is what is supposed to be ...no stupid rolls, no bling..Just the simplicity and the perfection of the Japanese cuisine.. Here cooking is an Art.. the style is Omakase, meaning you let the Chef in charge and there is nothing wrong with it...He will stun you with amazing taste and visual.. read more

BEST Omakase experience by far. One word of advice for those of you reading this. GO! The food was incredibly fresh and tasty, while the ambiance was serene and relaxing. A true work of art. From the exceptional customer service provided by Benz and Wendy they make you feel like you are right at home - in Japan The dishes used are also rich in history and culture, the simple yet elegant decor is awe inspiring. The Sake!!! If you have never tried sake or is an avid sake drinker this place is the place for you! The Sake is made by chef Kevin's family since the 1800s, it's incredibly smooth and sweet and perfect for any dinner pairing. Please do yourself a favor and go enjoy the NAOE experience. read more

I really want to like NAOE. This was one of those exclusive restraurants with limited number of seating. You sit down and have whatever the chef makes you, and you will like it, or so goes the assumption. And for the most part, it wasn't bad. The service was excellent, but I left underwhelmed and very very hungry. The staff is incredably nice, and it was definitely memorable since I had the best Scottish salmon sushimi ever, but alas, my desire to like NAOE does not make me actually like NAOE. Sorry, no cookies, baby. read more

Experienced the magic that is NAOE on Thursday evening. It is a culinary journey as Chef Cory presents his Chef's Choice Menu. We also enjoyed the Daiginjyo Sake and Kaga No Yukizake Frozen Sake along the way. Quality NAOE is simply spectacular. Every aspect of every dish is carefully crafted by the incredible Chef Cory to wow his guests, and that is exactly what he did. Before sitting down, I spent a good amount of time reading Chef Cory's incredible story and countless rave reviews of his restaurant. In doing so I figured I was setting myself up for disappointment, I mean it can't be as good as others claim. Well, it is. Arguably the best meal I have ever eaten. Chef Cory orchestrates a perfectly designed meal, building his symphony dish after dish, and then when you can't think it can get any better, it does. To me the crescendo came with the opening of the heavenly uni box. But remember this is Miami, so it was probably closer to a bass drop. It is simply an unreal moment among a glorious three hour long masterpiece. There is not enough words to describe each item I consumed and how the meal has transformed my view of not just Japanese food, but food in general. Even the biggest food snobs will find joy in NAOE and it deserves its place among the titans of the South Florida food scene. Quantity The Chef's Choice Menu begins with a bento box, shifts to nigiri-zushi, and then several desserts. And while courses would not be the appropriate way to classify it, it is more than enough food to leave you both satisfied and happy. But be forewarned that does not mean you won't be tempted to grab another round or two of your favorite items. Value The Chef's Choice Menu costs $220, which is a very expensive meal, but one that is unquestionably worth it. As you enjoy the absolute freshest seafood, including items flown in from around the world that very day, and watch a true master of his craft up close, you realize the cost is actually a bargain. My meal included more than one of the best bites of food I have every experienced in my life. It is impossible to put a price tag on that magic, but a my bill seemed more than fair at the end of the experience. Ambiance NAOE is located on Brickell Key, in a small shop that looks empty from the outside. If you know what you are looking for you will spot the business card strategically placed on the door. After you knock and are let inside you may experience a brief moment of terror. This is not the space you expect to pay $220 to enter. A tiny metal kitchen sits behind a bar with several stools, and then two tables sit adjacent on the side. The walls are blank and the lights are just focused on the tables. Soft classical music plays in the background. And that is it. NAOE is all about the food, the space is meant to just be casual and comfortable, not a distraction from the meal. Crowd The restaurant only has eight seats, so expect a very intimate experience. This also means that reservations are a requirement and punctuality is crucial. Our seating had six guests, three groups of two, and each set was celebrating a special occasion. The dress code is casual, but all the guys on this evening were wearing jackets, it almost feels like a requirement for the price tag. Service Exquisite. It is flawless execution by Wendy, the hostess and food guide, and Chef Cory. From the moment you enter, the charming and jovial, yet still very professional, Wendy makes you feel welcomed and appreciated. Her mastery of the food, multiple languages, and hospitality is nearly as impressive as Chef Cory's culinary mastery. Together they create this beautiful event for each and every guest. Parking Located on Brickell Key, parking is a challenge. There is a parking garage next door and they validate for two hours, but it still is going to run you close to $20 because your meal will last longer than two hours. I would recommend using a car service. Extra NAOE is what dreams are made of. You should feel secure placing your trust in Chef Cory to deliver an impeccable dining experience. His passion and his humility are impossible to ignore. Do not allow the cost to deter you, it is worth making the sacrifices to try it, at least once. I hope for more than once. read more

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What can I say that has not already been mentioned? Don't use Mapquest to find this place. You will be driving in circles and will be late for your reserved time. Chef Kevin drove all the way to Dearfield Beach to pick up a keg of a special brew. That is only one example of the painstaking care you will receive here.Not a beer drinker but appreciate the attention to detail. There isn't a toaster oven in sight. I challenge you to name another sushi place in the area that does not have the ubitquitous toaster oven behind the bar! Think about it! There isn't a Rainbow roll in sight either. Thank goodness. This is not your father's sushi place. No menu and no rolls. Sit at the sushi bar if you are a firsttimer. Chef Kevin is a master to watch. The sushi bar itself is this big chunk of a speciial type of wood grown in Japan and Oregon. You'll want to keep rubbing your hands over it. When wiped with a wet cloth it emits a wonderful scent. The music is soothing, as is the setting. Oasis from the Techno music found at other "it" places. Think about renting a room if you do not live close by. The night wil be long and the sake will flow. Don't be afraid to ask what each piece of sushi cost. You might be surprised to find out your favorite piece is only $3 while your not so favorite is $8. Wendy will make you feel so very welcome. She and Chef Kevin work in sync. There is a rythem to the evening Enjoy!! read more

NAOE is hands down, the best restaurant in Miami. Everything from their location on Brickell Key, intimate setting (only 8 people in each seating), and the outstanding quality of their food made this the most memorable meal of my life. Reservations at NAOE should be made well in advance, they do not take walk-ins. We planned our dinner at NAOE weeks beforehand, and even walked to Brickell Key a few days before our reservation to check out the location. When you enter NAOE you are greeted by the lovely Wendy, who brings you to your seats. The menus are specialized to include the name of each party. We chose to sit at the bar so we could have front row seats to watch Chef Corey in action. This was an excellent decision. Chef Corey works at a rapid speed with unbelievable precision. We could not take our eyes off of his hands. It was an honor to watch Corey create his delicious masterpiece. Each meal begins with a Bento Box filled with 8 pieces of the freshest sushi I have ever tasted. Most of the sushi was flown in from Japan that day. Chef Corey, Wendy, and the rest of the staff discussed every piece in great detail. We enjoyed a excellent bottle of Saki from Corey's family sake brewery, Nakamura Brewery. After the Bento Box, we tried several pieces of sushi priced per piece. After dinner, we enjoyed two bottles of the 'Snow of Kaga' with desert. The 'Snow of Kaga' has a unique refreshing taste and is served in beautiful handmade pottery from Japan. The whole dining experience lasted over 3 hours. Before we left, we bought Chef Corey a beer and were able to talk with him at great lengths; he even took pictures with us. This unforgettable meal is extremely expensive, but well worth it. Each meal is unique, specially prepared for that day. I am eager to return to try another one of Chef Corey's exceptional dinning masterpieces. They are in the process of opening a lounge area next-door, which I plan to check out. NAOE is perfect for intimate special occasions and a must try for all foodies. Keep in mind, this is not your average dining experience, patrons pay for dinner in advance, must be on time ( there are two seating's every night 6:00 pm and 9:30pm T-S), and no refunds for cancellations. NAOE is not just dinner, it is an experience. read more

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F'N AMAZING!!!! Kevin trully knows what he is doing, very traditional, prices are great and you leave feeling satisfied. When I'm back in Miami I will be banging on the door asking for more sushi. I would love to try just sushi and skip the bento box however, I'm not 100% sure if you can do that. Kevin also produces his own sake of which I did not get to try as they the smallest bottle is the size of a wine bottle and it was just myself and leaving the next day otherwise I would had been drinking sake. All the pix you see posted is what you'll get not one bad thing and you were challenged to guess the desert. I will not tell you in case it's the same each time. Wendy, you are AMESOME and thank you for getting me the spot at the bar I truly appreciate and next time you are in NYC give me a call I'd love to eat 4 meals a day at your favs. Kevin, keep up the great work and hope to see you again real soon. Your solo guest on Saturday, 11/27 @ 9 PM. read more

This is the one place I must visit everytime I am in Miami. I still think it's one of the best Omakase in the US. It has gotten better and better over the years, and I love their Bento box creations now even more than before. Eventhough it's now a lot more expensive - $200 per person as compare to when I first visited $80, it's totally worth it. Good that I live far away as I probably cannot resist myself to come eat all the time, otherwise I might break my bank. The freshness of all their sushi was beyond imagination. And the UNI (sea urchin) from Hokaido was still my top favorite among all. The MYSTERY ICE CREAM (sorry, cannot release their secret) and the little desert cake - you got to try them yourself to know how flavorful they were. read more

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This is a phenomenal, very unique, Japanese restaurant. The decor is absolute minimalist. I would say that the experience is best enjoyed by those who have quite a lot of sushi eating experience. The quality of the preparation and ingredients, imo, may be lost on newer sushi eaters. Reservations are strongly recommended (maybe even required) and I believe there are no more than 17 diners at one time. This was my first experience in going to a restaurant where there is no menu and you do not choose your food. Everything is chef's choice. While this may cause some initial trepidation... relax - you are in excellent hands! There are three nightly seatings. You can choose to sit at a table or at the sushi bar. I went there with my wife and we chose the bar. Part of our enjoyment was watching Chef Cory's knife and overall preparation skills. The meal starts with a bento box preparation that is thoughtfully prepared, elegantly (and simply) presented, and wonderfully refined. The optional nigiri sushi afterward is NOT to be missed. Chef's first choice for us was a luxurious salmon-belly. With a rich, creamy texture, this exquisite opener had us longing for more. Then came the true highlight of the evening. A piece of sushi I had never tried. Mackerel, shipped overnight from Japan. A touch of fresh, real wasabi inside, some finely grated ginger on top, brushed with the perfect kiss of soy sauce - simply the best pieces of sushi my wife or I have ever eaten. The amazing depth and beauty of that flavor is is the new standard which I now seek out in my rejuvenated sushi endeavors. Chef Kory, I thank you for a wonderful experience. read more

NAOE - Chef Kevin Cory - Japanese Near Me - Miami, Florida

This review is a bit late. Went in September of 2009. Always on the lookout for good sushi. Apparently, this is the Shangri La of sushi. Had read couple of reviews and then made reservation on Open Table (only way to get reservations, as Chef Cory makes his purchases based on the reservation numbers). This place is really hard to find if you aren't familiar with the area. We ended up entering thru the back door. Was greeted by Wendy who is so cute you really want to take her home. Restaurant is very beautiful in it's simplicity. We sat at the bar, which my husband was entranced with. It's this huge single piece of wood that is sanded hypnotically smooth. There are 5 seats at the bar and 2 large tables in this small romantically dark restaurant. Wendy kept the conversation going about the restaurant. She was unobtrusive and highly attentive, quick to be of service and kept a constant eye on us to see if we needed anything. There was another couple there at the bar and a small family of 5 at one of the table (I don't think this place could seat more than 20). We knew ahead that food was prepped in front of us and was looking forward to the show. Chef Corey is a little on the shy side in a really cute way. He explains calmly and in great depth what he is preparing and why. His knife skills are amazing. Food took about 45 min to prepare and we learned so much between him and Wendy. The couple beside us were not so much into watching him but seemed really happy after a lot of sake. We don't drink much and were charmed at the selection of nonalcoholic drinks. There was a Sprite like beverage that tasted a bit like cotton candy. As mentioned by other diners this is Omakase style sushi, so you don't order. You eat what the chef determines is the best. When bento box was presented it was done with much aplomb and the Chef took great pains to make sure to educate us. Since it was so many months ago, I don't remember enough to do it justice but I did post a picture. The singular thing I do remember is how wowed I was when I tasted the snapper sashimi. Apparently, I have never had real fresh seafood before. Nearly blew my mind. My husband took one bite, shook his head and mournfully turned to me and said, "Great, now everything I taste will be garbage next to this.". The price of the bento box was $28. Insanely inexpensive for what you are getting. Now the price does mount pretty darn fast when you move into the sushi. We threw caution to the wind and ordered about 10x. Each time it took between 5-10 minutes for him to kill it if necessary, cut up and serve beautifully. I wish I had worn my fat pants that day. After awhile I wasn't able to breath in my dress and had to end our meal. Finally bill was about $300, well worth it. Now be warned ahead that this is not a fast meal, you will need to dedicate a good couple of hours But food like this should be savored, it's like a great show with the final epiphany is that you realize this is what you've been missing all this time. Not for the sushi first timer unless they have an open mind and an appreciative palate. read more

NAOE - Worth the wait. - Japanese Near Me - Miami, Florida

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I can't believe it's been over a year since my last review. Naoe is that extraordinary restaurant that awakens me out of hibernation and I can no longer detain the bellow from my deep seated belly. First of all, I have to attest the service is excellent and intimate environment in which you can interact directly with the Chef Cory adds a whole new element. Flavors are soft, delicate, fresh. Maybe almost as fresh as a bear perching over a ledge, mouth wide open for up stream salmon. And yes, the salmon belly here is phenomenal. The very thought of salmon belly elicits tears of mixed emotions of serenity and excitement from the corner of my mouth. "WHAT? Naw, I was not drooling! That was just some residual sake from my lips." And the uni, the best I've ever had in my life! "Are you kidding me? I'm not crying. I just got some freshly grated wasabi in my eye." I like a good mystery...ice cream. The culprit is right under your nose but you just can't expose this blackguard with your gustatory memory. And yes that is a smile you just saw. I was not trying to warm up my teeth from this ice cream. Just happy to share this beautiful experience with you. read more

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Naoe is the ultimate authentic Japanese culinary experience, in a very intimate setting, where the master chef Kevin Cory, hostess Wendy and two waitresses serve prix fixe meal to lucky eight patrons. What you WON'T find here are the familiar quasi-Japanese affairs like California rolls, Teriyaki, shrimp tempuras and fake wasabi. Instead, you will be treated with smorgasbord of delectable treats, some delightfully foreign (and some challenging), like sea bass porridge, sea urchin eggs, and soy sauce sorbet. Monsieur Cory is our equivalent of Japan's octogenarian sushi master Jiro Ono, whose exploits have been famously documented in the documentary, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi". For the true Sushi connoisseurs, it will definitely prove worth your while to find this little, concealed spot in Brickell Key. read more

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Experience is unmatched for Miami! Service is beyond excellent. We were treated like extremely important guests. We were thoroughly explained everything we ate and I can't justify the food experience with words. Very fresh, creative and tasty. We spoke with Chef Kevin at length and he was very pleasant and open. His family makes the sake and it was the best sake I have ever had. Highly recommend this place if you can get reservations. read more

NAOE - One of several great dishes including monkfish liver, lobster, octopus. Soooo good. - Japanese Near Me - Miami, Florida

Too spot in Miami. Impeccable. Exquisite food and service. Hard spot to get into but well worth the visit.

Major, major disappointment. I hate to write this bad review since the people working here are nice and decent people. Plus, dealing with the fickle public and their tastes is very often unpleasant. Unfortunately the meal I had here was a letdown. The décor is non-existent. There's a difference between simple, pared down décor and plain. This restaurant was plain jane. Seats at the counter were full, so we sat at a table away from the bar staring at a blank beige wall. It had a total strip mall feel to it, and not in a good way. The food was average at best. The chef tried to do to much and it comes across in the food. Good sushi ingredients usually only need miminal tweaking if any. Everything here felt like it was needlessly labored over. Trying too hard. Our tabs came to almost $700 for two and we were bummed out because it was not a good meal. If you think this is an American version of Jiro Loves Sushi you will be disappointed. For the price of this meal I can grab some plane tickets and fly to Vegas to eat at Kabuto. People who gave this restaurant 5 stars need to get out more. read more

An absolute must try in Miami. I cannot say enough good things about NAOE. The food, service and overall experience were absolutely amazing! This was my first omakase experience and it was definitely a step above every other sushi restaurant in Miami. It is an expensive meal but well worth the price tag for a special occasion. The restaurant customized our menu with a special note and a letter sent in advance from our friends. Chef Cory and our server Wendy made the dinner into an extra special occasion. Tip - while you can bring your own alcohol, we absolutely recommend trying the family made sake. It was so good and reasonably priced! Again - an absolutely must try in Miami. You will not regret it. read more

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We had a wonderful meal under the watchful eye of Chef Kevin Cory and his lovely staff. We were lucky enough to be seated at the bar and were able to converse with Chef Cory for the entire meal as it was just the two of us sitting there. Another table of 6 were also enjoying themselves immensely and told us they have been fans for a long time. There were two lovely women handling the drink service and also spent a lot of time chatting with us about our experiences on our recent trip to Tokyo. For the meal, it was a solid 3 hours of a perfectly paced culinary experience. The Bento box was a great start, and the grilled fish second course was perfectly cooked. The butternut squash Miso had a nice subtle flavor and complimented the first courses perfectly. Several pieces of sushi followed, each made right in front of us and served immediately. The Sea Cucumber and Uni course is one of my personal favorites and the Uni was at absolutely perfect temperature. The dessert courses were light and tasty, and the "surprise" ice cream course with cake was an exclamation point on a fantastic experience. If you're going to go, you must try their Saké. We started with the Niche "Glory of the Sun" Junmai Daiginjyo which was extremely smooth and a touch of unexpected sweetness that made for a wonderful finish. We proceeded to a bottle of the Ginjyo which was slightly dryer (and about half the price of the first bottle) but equally tasty. For fun at the end we got the Kaga No Yukizake "Snow of Kaga" which was served as a frozen slush. It had a very sharp/strong flavor to it that I wouldn't want to have while eating delicate sushi but as a closer it was interesting. Not sure I'd rush to do that one again but the first two bottles (also from the Chef's family's brewery in Japan) were wonderful. When we left, we were not *stuffed*, but pleasantly full. Good omakase is not about stuffing the diner, more about presenting creative and flavorful courses for the senses. Our compliments to Chef Cory, Wendy (the restaurant manager who also went out of her way to email us some tips for future Japan trips), and the third lovely server whose name eludes us. They are not cheap, but great food and experiences seldom are. Kudos to you all! read more

Just dined at this restaurant for my boyfriend's birthday. We made the reservation a month in advance since they only take a total of 16 diners each evening in two seatings of 8 at a time (6pm and 9:30pm) and I wanted to make sure we had no problem getting a reservation, which we didn't. We had just discovered it existed through word of mouth and then the RAVE reviews on Yelp. For the month leading up to his birthday dinner we kept thinking about it and talking about it and shared the excitement with friends. Then finally the time came around to check it out. AND IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT. I can't wait to go back already!! It was very expensive for us, although we chose the finest sake which was absolutely stunning and my boyfriend chose the extended tasting course. He couldn't get enough. It was worth absolutely every penny. The dining room is small and modest. The staff are amazing. Wendy was seriously as amazing as everyone wrote about. The chef exuded passion. This dining experience may not be for everyone. It is not good for groups and it is not for those who want to see or be seen. It is for those who want to take part in a truly passionate restaurant and who want to try authentic flavors of Japan's finest quality and to experience a tasting menu like none other. We are lucky to have such a place in Miami. I can't say enough about it. The dinner was almost 3 hours long and the whole experience was amazing. It's something you have to experience to understand. read more

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My (now) Fiancé and I live in San Francisco and decided to spend the Memorial Day long weekend in Miami. NAOE was the highlight was our trip! The omakase and dining experience was incredible I can't even remember a place that tops the amazing service. Chef Cory only serves 8 people at a time. It was extremely intimate and you could see how much thought he has put into every course. The girls - Wendy, Rachel and Samantha made the experience even better! We truly felt a warm environment because everyone worked so well together and we got to know them too! Not to mention, I was feeling quite dehydrated from the Miami sun and the girls made me honey and ginger tea that is not even on the menu! It was Wendy's secret recipe. They even packed me water to go to stay hydrated! At the end of our meal, Chef Cory and his amazing girls gifted my Fiance & I a bottle of sake to celebrate our engagement If you're in Miami, you neeeeeed to go! I'm still so shocked at the quality of everything I HIGHLY RECOMMEND NAOE! read more

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I'm not going try to explain the whole experience, but this was by far the best restaurant experience I've ever had. Only other comparable one was Seeger's in Atlanta which is closed now. They only serves eight customers at a time. They don't have an open sign or an actual sign on the front door. You have to look for the numbered address to make sure you're at the right suite. My friend reserved a month in advance. Food was spectacular, service was top notch, and overall experience was one of a kind. Next time I'll have to bring a date if she's worth it. read more

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Best dining experience I've had in the state of Florida. Period. End of story. It's been two weeks since our visit and I can't stop thinking about what complete enjoyment it was - full of unique and unusual tastes, comforting service and a complete immersion into what I believe a true sushi experience should be. Well worth the expense on many levels. Cannot wait to return. read more

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I've been wanting to go here ever since I saw that it was #1 top restaurant on Yelp. It had been replaced by sweet dogs and I do no understand why. This place is very luxurious and quite expensive. Le beau surprised me for our anniversary and took me here. The food and experience was worth it. Food is very specific to Japanese cuisine. I would not recommended it to anyone who does not like raw sushi. There is no cream cheese or spicy mayo sauce here. It is a 17 course meal and I usually eat A LOT but I was full after the 2nd course. So no worries about being hungry after the service. You can also order more sushi before dessert and the hostess will let you know. Also both hostess were very friendly and knowledgeable about what is being served. I would definitely come again but not for a while. As it is a once in a long time splurge. read more

This was the worst rip off I've ever been to. I'm a foodie, to pay 800.00 and be served a meal where everything tasted terrible is beyond words. I've never been so disappointed in my life. The bento box had items not cooked properly, there was no salt on anything. The second course grilled fish meal again had no salt whatsoever and was undercooked. The sushi was touched with soy sauce and again way too light on the salt. Most of the fish was chewy or fishy. The guests near us just ate the rice after the second piece. I will never be back here. read more

I did not know sushi until last night!! What a mind blowing experience it was to have the extraordinary executive chef Kevin Cory artfully crafting the finest Japanese cuisine right in front of me. We felt at home sitting at his counter learning about and savoring some of the wildest seafood I've ever seen. The staff was all very welcoming and happy to answer any questions. They make you feel as if you are a guest in there home. read more

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Absolutely delicious. Omakase selections were amazing. Wendy is extremely nice and helpful and above all knowledgeable.

Best Omakase in FL! Worth every penny. Highest quality of seafood and ingredients, which combine to make the perfect experience. 18 courses, so arrive hungry. Always great hospitality. Have visited several times, and cannot wait to be back. If you like seafood/sushi, you will be in heaven. Perfect for a memorable night out. read more

I might be the only one who didn't love the food as much as everyone else here. I can't remember exactly how many courses we had but there's probably only a few items that tasted amazing. The o toro was good but O toro is always good :-) Rest were meh. I've been to many high end Japanese places as well as japan, so hopefully I know what I'm talking about :-) The atmosphere was perfect tho, price was little high, honestly, maybe my expectations was also just too high. read more

Very expensive set with no valued food ever. Service just like normal experience with no quality. Strongly No suggest to visit at all.

Unique dining experience. My husband and I enjoyed their whole course of meal and it was kinda memorable. Their sushi were tasty but i want more nigiris not the bento.. haha Especially they had real wasabi, not powder or frozen. The ReaL Root Vegetable! So impressed!! Love it. read more